Israel performs airstrikes in Lebanon

(MENAFN) In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed carrying out airstrikes against several targets in southern Lebanon. This military action follows a tragic incident in which a rocket hit a football field in the occupied Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals.

The airstrikes, reported by various news sources in the early hours of Sunday, targeted locations across southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera reported hearing explosions in the coastal city of Tyre and several villages along the border between Israel and Lebanon.

According to a statement from the IDF, the air force conducted strikes against what it described as "a series of Hezbollah terror targets." These operations were executed overnight and targeted areas deep within Lebanese territory as well as southern Lebanon. Specific locations mentioned included Chabriha, Borj El Chmali, Beqaa, Kfarkela, Rab El Thalathine, Khiam, and Tayr Harfa, where the IDF claimed to have hit weapons caches and terrorist infrastructure.

The conflict flared on Saturday when a rocket struck the Druze village of Majdal Shams. The Israeli government attributed this attack to Hezbollah, with the casualties primarily consisting of children. Hezbollah, however, denied any involvement in the incident.

In response, Israeli politicians issued stern warnings and statements condemning Hezbollah. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned that the country is on the verge of "an all-out war" with Hezbollah in Lebanon, criticizing the group's actions and asserting that Hezbollah had crossed significant boundaries.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for de-escalation. United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, along with the commander of United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, Aroldo Lazaro, issued a joint statement urging both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to halt the ongoing intensified exchanges of fire. The international community is increasingly concerned about the potential for further escalation in the region, with calls for a return to diplomacy and peace efforts gaining urgency.

MENAFN30072024000045015687ID1108497284